Georgia Pet Insurance
Know your Pre-existing Conditions
Another consideration to keep in mind is that your pet’s pre-existing conditions most likely won’t be covered by most pet insurance. An unfortunate reality is that pet insurance typically doesn’t cover preexisting conditions your pet has before you signed up for a policy, though some cover preexisting conditions after a waiting period (typically one year or longer). This means that if your pet has a genetic condition, for example, you’ll have to pay for any complications that arise from that without their support. Since your policy will only cover events that happen to your pet after the policy has started, it’s a great idea to get pet insurance early on. The earlier you get it, the more likely it is that your insurance will apply to your pet’s future visits to the vet in Georgia. And, if you have a breed-specific condition, such as hip dysplasia in Labradors, make sure that it's covered. You should read reviews from current and former customers to get an idea of how the pet insurance company operates and the quality of its customer service.
The Benefits of Pet Insurance in Georgia
Pet insurance offers numerous benefits to pet owners in Georgia. For example, it provides financial security for unexpected healthcare costs and peace of mind knowing that you have financial support should your pet require care for medical treatment. Some pet insurance policies even offer coverage for routine checkups and preventive care, which promotes their health and well-being. Plans are customizable based on what you need, and you can even keep your current vet or select one that you like.
Key Terms to Know and Understand
You are best served by reviewing the quotes and policy slowly and thoroughly when you receive it as contract language isn’t something most people in Georgia do very often. Just like health insurance policies for people, pet insurance can be a confusing thing to navigate. You might hear terms thrown around that you’re unfamiliar with if you haven’t had much experience with insurance in the past, and you don’t want to commit to something you don’t fully understand. Learn the basic definitions of these pet insurance terms and you’ll be well-prepared. A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket for your animal’s care before the policy takes effect. Your coverage limit is the maximum amount of money that your policy will pay for in a given year. A reimbursement rate defines the percentage of each expense your policy will pay for once you’ve reached your deductible.
Is Pet Insurance Worth Getting?
It can be scary and stressful when your pet experiences illness or has an accident. In many cases, you'll have to rush to call your vet and schedule an appointment and get them treated to the tune of hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Sudden accidents and health issues are out of our control, and in many cases and they are bound to happen and are part of being a pet parent. What is in your control is exploring pet insurance options in Georgia to reduce the stress and financial risk that comes with pet ownership. Only you can evaluate and decide if pet insurance is worth it.
Filing a Georgia Pet Insurance Claim
After you have paid your veterinarian and hopefully all is well with your four-legged buddy, it’s time to file your claim and get reimbursed. One thing to consider when looking at plans is the process the insurer has in place for claims processing. Do they offer multiple ways to submit a claim such as via fax, mail, email, upload, and phone app? Keep the vet bill handy as you will need this to file a claim and once received, the insurance carrier will review the details, your pet’s medical history, and your coverage elements to determine the reimbursement. One thing to note when reviewing quotes is whether the carrier uses the actual billed amount or their estimate of what a given procedure costs. This might end up confusing after you file a claim if you don’t cover this in your plan review. Also make note of how long it takes them on average to process a claim, another point of comparison. The processing time is usually 14-30 days.
Understand your Budget
Of course, you will want to get a sense of your budget. Pet insurance costs can vary in Georgia depending on the kind of pet you have and how much coverage you buy broadly speaking. It’s a great idea to define a set budget for pet insurance before you start shopping - that way, you won’t waste time looking at policies you can’t afford or wouldn’t consider. Getting quotes from insurance companies makes up a significant portion of the research process, and it’ll go much more smoothly if you already have started to think through a bit about what you can reasonably afford.
